Friday, 21 February 2025 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In an effort to enhance the immune system by merging Ayurveda with modern science, the founder of the Vaidya Chandra Prakash Cancer Research Foundation (VCPCRF), Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Balendu Prakash, announced a national symposium on Ayurveda for optimal immunity in collaboration with UPES. The two-day programme will be held at the university.
Addressing the media, Prakash said that Ayurveda is grounded in principles that promote health and prevent diseases. For true health, physical, mental and spiritual well-being are crucial. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people’s main focus shifted towards enhancing their immunity to combat viruses and bacteria. While many received vaccines, they also turned to Ayurveda to strengthen their immune systems. To validate and develop Ayurveda’s immunity-boosting potential alongside modern science, he decided to organise this national symposium in collaboration with UPES. He emphasised that this event will differ from traditional symposiums as it will not feature typical lectures.
He said that scientists from the School of Health Sciences and Technology at UPES analysed nearly 50 research papers submitted by scientists across India, finding substantial evidence of Ayurvedic contributions to immunity enhancement. Out of the 50 scholars selected to present their work on immunity, 27 have been chosen to display their research through posters at the event. The poster that wins will allow its creator to present a detailed review. The event has already attracted registrations from leading experts in modern medicine, scientists from various disciplines, as well as eminent Ayurvedic scholars and researchers, he said. Further, cluster head of the School of Science and Technology at UPES, Dhruv Kumar said that the posters will be reviewed and analysed by experts from ICMR Delhi, AIIMS Delhi and many others. The best posters will be awarded in three categories. Additionally, a panel discussion will be organised on the concluding day, he added.
